ABIA STATE COORDINATOR COMMISSIONS CDS PROJECTS IN UMUAHIA, CHARGES OTHER CORPS MEMBERS TO MAKE SIMILAR IMPACT

ABIA STATE COORDINATOR COMMISSIONS CDS PROJECTS IN UMUAHIA, CHARGES OTHER CORPS MEMBERS TO MAKE SIMILAR IMPACT

The State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abia State, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, has commissioned impressive community development service projects while charging corps members to make meaningful contributions to the development of their host communities and places of primary assignment through Community Development Service (CDS).

Tanimu gave the charge on Monday during the commissioning of CDS projects by corps member Kenneth Nnaemeka at Ibeku High School, Umuahia that includes: a website for the school, donation of 12 white boards and 6 projectors, building the Abia Green Transport and Civic Intelligence software, building a fire safety and emergency software in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service and the establishment of an ICT club in the school. The Coordinator emphasized that CDS is multifaceted and designed to instil in corps members the spirit of sacrifice, volunteering and service to society, values he said should extend beyond their service year.

“We are very proud of Kenneth Nnaemeka and will always be, I therefore encourage other corps members to emulate him and do much better to impact their host communities”, Tanimu stated.

He further stressed that communities have diverse needs, particularly in education, healthcare infrastructure, agriculture, social welfare and other areas of development, explaining that corps members should serve as drivers of positive change by working closely with host communities to identify areas of intervention, plan projects, mobilise resources and explore sources of funding.

According to him, the CDS policy places emphasis on a participatory approach, as involving community members in the process creates a sense of ownership and belonging, which is essential for the sustainability of development projects.

Tanimu further stated that community development should not be left entirely to government, stressing that the challenges facing society require collective responsibility and self-help initiatives. He called on communities, philanthropists, good-spirited individuals and non-governmental organisations to support CDS projects, noting that such support strengthens the spirit of volunteering. He also urged stakeholders to safeguard completed CDS projects, while encouraging corps members to remain committed to using their energy, ideas and enthusiasm to contribute meaningfully to the growth of their communities and the nation.

Speaking also, a Principal in the school, Elder Obioma Ekele appreciated the corps member for the numerous projects, stating that because of those projects, their students have participated in competitions within the country and would soon be attending a competition in the United Kingdom to represent the school.

In the entourage of the State Coordinator during the commissioning were the Assistant Director, Community Development Service, Mrs. Huldah Azuike, the Public Relations Officer, NYSC Abia, Mr. Alex Ekeoma, the Principal Ibeku Junior Secondary School, Lady Ochor Ada and DSF Anele Henry from the Federal Fire Service Training School, Umuahia.